UN Condemns the Violence in Libya

UN Security Council condemns violence against Libyan protesters, calls on Gaddafi to allow entry of medical and humanitarian supplies.

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Elad Benari, 23/02/11 02:20 | updated: 02:18

United Nations

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The UN Security Council condemned on Tuesday the violence used against the protesters in Libya. The condemnation came following an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the situation in Libya.

All 15 members of the Security Council expressed “grave concern” at the situation in Libya and condemned the violence and use of force against civilians.

The council called for “an immediate end to the violence” and for steps to be taken in order to address the legitimate demands of the Libyan people.

They also called on the Libyan government “to meet its responsibility to protect its population,” to act with restraint, and to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.

“The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of accountability. They underscored the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under their control, on civilians,” the statement said.

The council also expressed concern over the reports of shortages of medical supplies to treat the wounded and urged Libyan authorities to allow the safe passage into the country of medical and humanitarian supplies and workers.

The UN statement came several hours after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi told his country in a televised speech on Tuesday that he is a “warrior” and that he “will die as a martyr.”

“I cannot leave the honorable soul of my country. I will die a martyr in the end,” said Gaddafi in the speech. He added that “Muammar Gaddafi is not a president, he is not a normal human being” but instead is a revolutionary leader.

Meanwhile, Libya's deputy UN ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi, was quoted by The Associated Press as saying that Tuesday’s statement by the Security Council was “not strong enough” but was "a good step to stopping the bloodshed."

Dabbashi added that he received information that Gaddafi's collaborators have started “attacking people in all the cities in western Libya.”